Internet Shutdown in Afghanistan Leaves Travellers Stranded, UN Condemns Blackout
An internet shutdown in Afghanistan has left many travellers stranded, with flights cancelled and businesses disrupted. The United Nations has condemned the blackout as a serious human rights violation, particularly affecting women and girls.
Since the internet went down, Kam Air is the sole airline that has reportedly operated a flight out of Kabul. Its representative, Mohammed Baschir, confirmed this to Tolo News. The Taliban administration has yet to explain the connectivity blackout, which is the first of its kind since they took control in 2021.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has urged the restoration of internet services, warning of significant harm to the Afghan people. Restarting operations is crucial for those stranded and awaiting transit flights. Out of 34 scheduled flights today, 14 were cancelled, with 21 from yesterday labelled 'unknown' on plane tracker Flightradar24.
Banks, aid work, and businesses in Afghanistan have been severely impacted by the internet shutdown. The UN rights office has labelled the blackout an 'extremely serious human rights violation', highlighting its effect on women and girls.
The internet shutdown in Afghanistan has caused significant disruption, with flights cancelled and businesses affected. The UN has called for internet services to be restored, warning of the harm to the Afghan people, particularly women and girls. So far, only one flight has operated since the blackout, with the Taliban administration yet to explain the situation.
